Issue #48 - November/December 2013 - HAIMJoanna Gruesome
Weird Sister
Slumberland
Nov 28, 2013
Joanna Gruesome
As you might expect from an act whose members met in an anger management course, then twisted the name of pretty-voiced girl-with-a-harp Joanna Newsom into something that sounds like a cruel high school nickname, Welsh band Joanna Gruesome play loud, noisy, bratty punk rock, with the playful defiance of ‘90s riot grrrl and song titles such as “Anti-Parent Cowboy Killers” and “Lemonade Grrrl.” Frontwoman Alanna McCardle is equal parts dream-voiced Frances McKee and shouty Kathleen Hanna (one choice cut from the band’s lyrics: “I’ve been waiting to crush your fucking skull”), while her bandmates rustle up a grungy, jangly racket that combines Yo La Tengo’s ear for melody with the ferocity of Nirvana’s noisier moments. Imagine listening to Yuck’s debut album through a slightly broken car radio and you’ve pretty much got it. Weird Sister can be a little grating or samey at points, but overall it’s refreshing to hear a ‘90s revival band that actually has the furious lo-fi energy of the period nailed. (www.joannagruesome.bandcamp.com)
Author rating: 7/10
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